ICM 1/32 AH-1G Cobra (early production)

[wotan]

Barry

These will make some interesting wall art, but I have to say, what a shame they didn't go one step further and produce them with raised detail. A little like those resin decals you buy for the cockpits. I would have thought that applying a few frames around the dials and raised switches would not have been too difficult.

John

[Ian M]

Barry

These will make some interesting wall art, but I have to say, what a shame they didn't go one step further and produce them with raised detail. A little like those resin decals you buy for the cockpits. I would have thought that applying a few frames around the dials and raised switches would not have been too difficult.

John

I agree there-- €50 for a painted chunk of MDF is a bit over the top.

[Ian M]

I moved this to the Helicopter build section for you Barry. Just had to look to see if it was the 'chopper or the airplane! Was not expecting the helicopter! Cool beans.
Those Quinta details look rather nice.
I will look forward to seeing this build.

[Ian M]

Have a Google for Photo wall or photo wallpaper Barry.
A 3x2 meter picture will be around the £150 mark. And you can have up load your own photo

[BarryW]

Thanks Ian. I just realised my error, force of habit.

The panels are not entirely flat, the gunsights certainly are but not the panels themselves. They are rather better than painted MDF. I am looking forward to seeing one in the flesh. John, if you see this, will you be stocking them?

Anyway…..

The Cobra

I have been getting on with the pit.

I have sprayed the base coats
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Then I checked my 3D decals to identify what detail still needs painting and did that with Vallejo MC. I also cross references to Google cockpit pictures and, while it’s a help, the pictures don’t all agree so clearly there was some variation.

I added the seat cushions.
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Now for the 3D decals. These really are taking over from etch for cockpit detailing and seat belts and well deservedly so.

The only thing they have in common with decals is in using paper as a carrier and their being released by water. Other than that they are totally different and need to be used in a different way. Now I do want to clear one thing up… on a FB forum someone thought they were ordinary decals printed cleverly to give the appearance of 3D. Absolutely not, they are a plastic material with raised detail, reasonably robust and need to be glued into place.
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Here are some elements soaked and awaiting use
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They slide off easily - you cannot treat thin fragile decals like this below!
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Here these are ready to position
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PVA ‘white glue’ types are ideal for gluing them. I some situations ca might work better.

I applied Gator Glue to a part
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And firmly press the element into place cleaning surplus glue with a damp cotton bud.

These elements are done more to go.
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Several companies now produce these so do give them a try if you have not done so. They really are brilliant.

Tomorrow I will get on and do more.

[Guest]

They do look good. I suppose they’re made in much the same way as Archer Fine Transfers make their Surface Detail™ (don’t forget the ™!) weld beads, rivets, casting marks etc., which I understand are printed (somehow) as resin onto decal film.

[Jim R]

Hi Barry
Those decals do look excellent. PVA or Gator Glue is water based and is easily cleaned up and allows some wriggle time for accurate positioning. A good choice.
Jim

[BarryW]

They do look good. I suppose they’re made in much the same way as Archer Fine Transfers make their Surface Detail™ (don’t forget the ™!) weld beads, rivets, casting marks etc., which I understand are printed (somehow) as resin onto decal film.

There is no decal film at all with these Jakko.

[BarryW]

I have a gorgeous new girlfriend staying with me who bought me the Tamiya 1/48 Tomcat as a Christmas pressie, she actually takes an interest. Definitely a keeper…. Yesterday she took a sneaky photo of me at work on my Cobra….

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[Guest]

There is no decal film at all with these Jakko.

No, I suppose if they are applied as solid slabs of resin, all it takes is to glue them to the paper directly, with no need for film. Archer’s transfers do need it because soaking off individual rivets would quickly get to be a chore

[Jim R]

By 'eck Barry. A pressie and shows interest. Definitely a keeper. I have had mine nearly 50 years and the interest showing bit is still rather hit and miss :rolling:

[Ian M]

You hit the jackpot there then Barry.
My misses is of the "oh that's nice" or " " with a lifted eyebrow. She don't mind the aircraft, quite likes the Boats, but armour.... meh.

[BarryW]

No, I suppose if they are applied as solid slabs of resin, all it takes is to glue them to the paper directly, with no need for film. Archer’s transfers do need it because soaking off individual rivets would quickly get to be a chore :smiling3:

It is a soft vinyl rather than resin Jakko.

[BarryW]

By 'eck Barry. A pressie and shows interest. Definitely a keeper. I have had mine nearly 50 years and the interest showing bit is still rather hit and miss :rolling:

I have known her for over four years, a 6' tall mid-west American who has lived in the UK for around 10 years with the body most 20 year old girls would envy.... I am very lucky.

[BarryW]

Some more pit subs done
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I applied a brown pin wash and dry brushed with metal powders.

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